Joan L Baird, Author at Helensburgh Adviser

A seagull perched on top of a lamppost, pictured through blossom on a tree.

Seagull of the Month: April 2025

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025Joan L Baird

This month’s seagull was captured through the fading blossom of a tree on Argyle Street in late April. Such a shame that the beautiful blossom doesn’t hang around for long but at least our seagulls are ever-present.

A seagull standing on grass near blooming daffodils in Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh.

Seagull of the Month: March 2025

March 31, 2025April 1, 2025Joan L Baird

Blessed with a beautifully sunny day on the last weekend of March, local photographer Julia M took this fine selection of pictures of a seagull strutting about in front of some lovely daffodils in the square on Mother’s Day .

A seagull swooping with snowy covered hills in the distance.

Seagull of the Month: January 2025

February 3, 2025February 26, 2025Joan L Baird

For our first seagull of 2025 we have this superb submission from Julia M, who took this shot in early January at Helensburgh reservoir. The snow covered hills in the background give an idea of how chilly it was to start the year!

A seagull clutching something in its beak, flying low above the grey, choppy waters of the river Clyde.

Seagull of the Month: December 2024

January 1, 2025February 26, 2025Joan L Baird

New to the area, Julia M is a keen wildlife photographer and ventured out in the rain on the last weekend of 2024 in an attempt to snap a seagull of the month for December. Despite the unfavourable conditions, she managed to capture this seagull flying low above the choppy river Clyde, heading in the […]

A baby seagull standing on the grass beside Helensburgh's west bay

Seagull of the Month: September 2024

September 30, 2024September 30, 2024Joan L Baird

This baby seagull was spotted in late September, hanging around on the grass opposite Dino’s. She’s probably waiting in hope that somebody drops an ice cream for her to swoop in for a taste of. As autumn takes hold, it won’t be long before it’s too cold for that kind of treat.

A baby seagull walking and calling out for its mother on Helensburgh Pier

Seagull of the Month: August 2024

September 2, 2024September 2, 2024Joan L Baird

This baby seagull was spotted on Helensburgh Pier calling after its mother, who was never more than a few metres away. The mother seagull likely wanted a break from the constant noise but soon returned to shepherd their baby back along the pier. Seagull chicks can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching but […]

A seagull flying toward the camera with Helensburgh's clock tower in the background

Seagull of the Month: July 2024

August 2, 2024August 2, 2024Joan L Baird

This majestic gull was captured swooping over the barren seafront development site in the beautiful light of the golden hour in early July, with the clock tower in the background. From the height he’s at, he can easily tell that there’s a greater need for public recreational space than there is for retail outlets.

A seagull perched on a litter bin in the playground at Hermitage Park

Seagull of the Month: June 2024

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024Joan L Baird

This seagull was spotted trying to lift a take-away box out of the litter bin in Hermitage Park on one of the few sunny days we enjoyed in June. He persisted for a while but couldn’t quite get the leverage to pry the box from the bin.

A seagull carrying nesting materials in its beak soars into the gusty conditions above Tower Place in Helensburgh

Seagull of the Month: April 2024

May 2, 2024Joan L Baird

The weather turned a bit cold and blustery toward the end of April and this busy ‘gull with a beak full of nesting material was spotted fighting the headwind above Tower Place.

A seagull swooping by Helensburgh Pier late on a sunny day. In the background is Rosneath peninsula

Seagull of the Month: March 2024

April 1, 2024April 1, 2024Joan L Baird

This seagull was spotted swooping into a strong headwind and diving to skim the water just off Helensburgh Pier. Captured on a beautifully sunny evening on the last day of March 2024 – quite the contrast to the seagull spotted amidst the snow in December 2023!